Those who attended the inaugural St Andrew’s Rd Spring Festival on Saturday, November 4 may have mistaken it for being no spring chicken in the events space.
The beaming success – hundreds of visitors, activities of all kinds and an array of food and stall holders – suggested experience beyond organisers’ first-year effort.
Inside the South Shepparton Community Church and on the street, there was a pop-up op-shop, Blooming Buckets teaching a floral-inspired workshop, Rumbalara Playgroup hosting kids activities, busking by a line-up of talented local musicians, mouth-watering cuisine, and more.
“The whip-cracking activity by JME Whips was really popular,” event organiser Bethany Hunter said.
“A lot of people had a go at learning to crack the whip ... and one lucky winner, a little girl named Zoe, won the handmade whip.”
At the core of the surrounding entertainment stood the church itself – a pillar of support for the groups that frequently occupy the space.
“The space is used by many people in what we call the St Andrew’s Rd neighbourhood hub – different support groups (NA, AA), Rumbalara Playgroup, parenting groups, programs for kids and teenagers of socio-economic disadvantage, different faith groups,” Ms Hunter said.
“This event was an opportunity to showcase what these humble groups do in the community.”
Funds raised on the day were donated to numerous community organisations, including the church’s after-school kids and youth programs, Goulburn Valley Pregnancy and Family Support, Operation Christmas Child, Mukti Mission, and more.
“We raised a little over $500 for the kids programs, which is a great achievement, but certainly not what we were doing it for,” Ms Hunter said.
“It wasn’t a money-making event; it was an opportunity to celebrate community and the connections people have within it.
“It’s something we’ll look to do annually; there were definitely lots of positives.”
Ms Hunter said Jasmine Marshall and Vicki Woodhouse played key roles in ensuring the event’s success, as did the support of everyone on the day.
“It was clear people felt like they belonged in the space, and the volunteering and contributions on the day were phenomenal,” she said.
“I’m really thankful for everyone’s contribution.”